Public School 256 At Public School/Middle School 43 Grants Wishes

Every year on Superbowl Sunday thousands of Long Beach Polar Bears brave the frigid water and cold temperatures to raise money and attention for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

The foundation grants wishes for sick children and their families. The PS 256 at PS/MS 43 staff raised $2,100 through the sale of Polar Bear sweatshirts. The PS 256 motto, which can be found on all school letterheads and memos, is "Kids First." The principal, Oswaldo Roman, also contributes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Last year, $361,000 was raised at the 2008 plunge and more than 48 wishes were granted to sick children and their families.